Josh Wood signed up for our Water Polo League last spring because his high school competitive swimming season was over and it gave him an opportunity to maintain his conditioning in the water. He was interested in water polo because it was like several sports combined: hockey, soccer and swimming.

Once Josh got in the water for that first practice, he was hooked! He learned to tread water differently, using an egg-beater kick, to support himself in the water with the ball. That was an exciting discovery as it made ball handling much easier. He recalls his coaches joining their teams in the water to help hone their skill development. Playing with their coaches gave them motivation to learn more and give their all.

Overall, Josh found water polo to be extremely fun. He enjoyed getting to know his teammates and playing in matches. He also liked the conditioning aspect; playing water polo is a great way to exercise. Because water polo combines qualities of many different sports, Josh said, "It's like a one-stop-shop. I definitely recommend water polo to anyone who likes swimming because it's so invigorating!"

Our Princess Anne and Bayside leagues are full, but there are still a couple of spots available for the Great Neck Gators. Register now!

With all pulls, during the power phase, try to keep the palms of your hands facing your feet. What is the power phase? For the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, the power phase is when your arms are submerged and actively pulling the water. If you keep your palms facing your feet, you are constantly pushing forward rather than up or down, thus helping propulsion.

Outstanding Lifeguards of the Season

Last month we introduced you to three of our six Outstanding Lifeguards, so it's time to meet the remaining three. As a reminder, our lifeguards are evaluated on a set of qualifying criteria and each site selects one candidate as Outstanding Lifeguard of the Season.

Camille Berry was selected as the Outstanding Lifeguard for Kempsville for the second season! She is a lifeguard who is valued by her fellow staff and supervisors. Camille is always available to take extra shifts, even at the last minute. She handles patron situations on her own without involving the supervisors, unless needed. She has responded numerous times to first responder calls, even while off duty working out in the weight room, where she was professional and knowledgeable about how to handle the situation. Camille always completes her weekly swim requirement and continues to challenge herself to further her physical fitness. She comes into work every day with a positive attitude that is appreciated by supervisors, co-workers and patrons. Camille is an incredible asset and it shows in her commitment to lifeguarding, teaching and coaching at Kempsville.

Matt Warnock, Williams Farm's Outstanding Lifeguard of the Season, has been a valuable member of the Aquatics unit for the past five years. He first started at Bayside, where he still works as one of the Marlin's swim team coaches. He feels that being a lifeguard means keeping people safe so they can enjoy being in the water. When asked about his favorite part of being a lifeguard, he answered, "The patrons." He feels the patrons see the hard work that lifeguards do every day and share their appreciation with him and other guards. For Matt, lifeguarding has turned into more than just a job. He sees the potential for many different career paths and takes opportunities to gain as much experience as he can. In addition to coaching swim team, Matt also instructs swim lessons and lifeguard training classes, and is looking forward to coaching water polo at Bayside in the spring.

Josh Robinson, Outstanding Lifeguard for Bayside, is the most tenured lifeguard at that center. He has worked at Bayside since 2007 and can be counted on to consistently enforce rules and respond to emergencies. Through the years, Josh has been a staple in the guard stand, keeping patrons safe during some of the City's busiest programs, including Float-a-Rama, competitive swim meets and summer camps. Josh has also been a regular morning guard, taking care of setting up the pool for fitness classes and other programs without being asked. Josh's flexibility is an asset for his co-workers and supervisors; he is always willing to work longer or come in earlier if needed. Josh has plans to make helping people his career as he is studying Nursing at the Sentara College of Health Sciences. We are very grateful for Josh's dedication and service!

Do You Know How to Prevent Hypothermia?

The recent snowfall and temperature drop in our area makes it a good time to review some basics about hypothermia. Hypothermia is an emergency medical condition in which the core body temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions to occur. It is a condition that can affect anyone of any age, indoors or outdoors.

Hypothermia most often occurs because of prolonged exposure to cold weather, inadequate clothing or immersion in cold water or windy conditions. Constant shivering is a key sign of hypothermia as the body attempts to warm itself. Other symptoms include lack of coordination, slurred speech or mumbling, confusion or difficulty thinking, drowsiness or very low energy, progressive loss of consciousness, weak pulse, and slow, shallow breathing. A person with hypothermia usually isn't aware of his or her condition, because the symptoms often begin gradually and because the confused thinking associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness.

To avoid a situation which might lead to hypthermia, just remember COLD:

Cover. Keep your head, face, neck and hands covered.

Overexertion. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot.

Layers. Wear loosefitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

Dry. Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible.

The pool at Great Neck Recreation Center will be closed on March 6 and will open late on March 7 for a pool controller system update.

Seatack Recreation Center will be closed Monday, March 11 through Saturday, March 17 for annual maintenance.

Don't forget that your membership is good at all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.